Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lourdes University

Lourdes University's business program shows something unusual: graduates who start below average but experience strong earnings momentum. With 26% growth over four years, early-career earnings of $41,000 climb to $51,000—a trajectory that narrows the gap with both state and national benchmarks. The $28,000 debt load, while slightly above state average, translates to a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves as salaries increase.

The challenge is the starting point. At just $41,000, first-year earnings fall below the state median of $46,000 and trail Ohio's top business programs by $20,000-$27,000. Among Ohio's 64 business programs, Lourdes lands at the 40th percentile—squarely middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state market. For families prioritizing immediate post-graduation earnings or targeting higher-paying corporate roles, this gap matters.

This program makes most sense for students seeking affordable access to a business degree with growth potential built in. The debt burden won't be crushing, and the earnings trajectory suggests graduates find their footing within a few years. But if your child has the academic credentials for Ohio State, Miami, or University of Dayton, those programs deliver substantially higher starting salaries that would justify their likely higher costs.